Performances by Alexx and Afro capped off a spectacular performance by the Ravens against the Subliners. The triumph included their first ever win on Raid Control.
New York Subliners' struggles in Stage 5 continue after they fell to the London Royal Ravens 3 - 2. In a match that many thought would provide New York a chance to get things back on track, following losses to both OpTic Chicago and LA Thieves, it ended up being a shock for the ages.
Though the Royal Ravens have already been eliminated from playoff contention, they have continued to be a nuisance for their opponents. The most surprising element of the victory was their triumph in the Raid Control, a map which they had not won in the CDL against New York Subliners all season. Prior to that they pulled off a stunning comeback in the Checkmate Hardpoint; a game in which they were down 60 points heading into the final rotation.
Afro and Alexx turn up for London
While everyone on London had their moments, it was the sub duo of Alexx and Afro that caught the spotlight. In this match Ravens fans got to see a glimpse of Alexx's immense talent; something which we had seen bits and pieces of throughout the season. His slaying power proved to be the difference as the claimed victory in the Checkmate Hardpoint; their first hardpoint win against the Subliners all season at that.
Afro had his fair share of standout moments in the match. Since being promotion to the starting lineup back in Stage 4, the young rookie has been a force to be reckoned with. While he had a number of key plays throughout the series, it was his 1v1 against Hydra in the Moscow Search & Destroy that proved to be the most important.
Despite the fact that London have already been eliminated from playoff contention, Royal Ravens' fans will be hoping that this a sign of great things to come for this team. And with the season drawing to a close, perhaps this team still has a few tricks left up their sleeve for the Stage 5 Major.
New York's Stage 5 Struggles Continue
It goes without saying that New York have not been at their best in this stage. Since the Stage 4 Major the Subliners have lost three straight matches. Although two of them went to Game 5s, the fact that they were beaten by a team that has long since been eliminated from playoff contention is concerning to say the least. Though the match was close for the most part, the Subliners seemed a shadow of the team that many have come to know as one of the best in the league this year.
Subliners fans are hopeful that their team will find a way to bounce back from this when they take on Paris Legion next week. However, given that they are already going to be starting the Stage 5 Major from the losers bracket, and that also have to go up against the red hot Atlanta FaZe in their final league match, things are looking bleak for them at present.
Be sure to keep an eye on our page for all the latest Call of Duty news. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on all things happening within the Esports community.